In a surprising turn of events, Apple has decided to allow Epic Games to launch its online marketplace for iPhones and iPads in Europe after initially blocking the move. This decision comes in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which aims to regulate the behavior of big tech companies.
Epic Games had accused Apple of violating U.S. antitrust rules by imposing high commissions on in-app payments, leading to a legal battle between the two companies. Despite losing the court case in the U.S., Epic has managed to secure a victory in Europe with Apple’s about-face on the issue.
After Apple terminated Epic’s developer account in Sweden, conversations with the European Commission led to its reinstatement. This has paved the way for the Epic Games Store to launch in Europe, although it still remains unavailable in the U.S. Epic Games also plans to reintroduce Fortnite to iOS in Europe following this breakthrough.
The European Commission’s swift enforcement of the Digital Markets Act is being seen as a step towards holding companies like Apple accountable for their actions. By allowing Epic Games to proceed with its plans, Apple is not only complying with EU regulations but also giving a nod to fair competition in the tech industry.
This latest development highlights the ongoing power struggle between tech giants and regulators, with the European Union taking a proactive stance in ensuring a level playing field for all parties involved. Stay tuned to Poh Diaries for further updates on this unfolding story.
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